10 Ways You’re Catching Coronavirus Without Realizing It

While doctors don’t know everything about the novel coronavirus, one thing is certain: it’s very easy to pass to others. Anyone can get the virus and while most will recover, some will not. The people at higher risk include the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.

What makes the virus hard to identify is that symptoms can vary from person to person. Since some people do not show any symptoms, they can be infecting people and not even know it! These people are called “asymptomatic” and are the biggest danger to the spread of the virus, as they are typically not self-isolating. The safest place you can be right now is in the comfort of your home. Leaving home will only increase your chances of catching the virus.

This list will show you the 10 ways you could be catching the virus without even realizing it.

10. You’re Touching Things Like Normal

You open the door at the entrance of your apartment. You pick up the mail. You grab your keys to unlock your car. These are just a few examples. Anything that you touch that others also touch is a means to spread the virus.

9. Your Cell Phone Can Be a Carrier of the Virus

When you touch your cell phone, the virus can transfer to the surface of the phone, even if you’re wearing gloves while in public places. Experts recommend using your phone less and when you need to use it, wipe the surface with a disinfectant wipe before and after. Otherwise, you’ll risk transferring the virus from your phone to your face or mouth.

8. You’re Using a Shared Work Computer or Phone

If you’re considered an essential worker right not and your work computer is shared, protect yourself by cleaning the computer with a disinfectant wipe prior to use. Make sure to clean the mouse, keyboard and screen. When you are done working, clean it for the next employee. The same goes for a work phone, as it is in close contact with your mouth.

7. You’re Buying and Selling Items on Online Marketplaces

You may be putting yourself at risk by meeting someone to buy or sell an item, even if you maintain social distancing when you meet. They could have the virus and transfer it via the surface of the item. After you sell or purchase, wipe off the item with disinfectant and wash your hands after meeting.

6. You’re Utilizing Public Transportation

One of the most likely places to contract the virus is on public transportation. You can get infected from touching surfaces or even from the air shared by thousands of people a day. The coronavirus can stay alive for up to five days on a surface. The virus is thriving in areas that rely on public transportation, such as New York and New Jersey.

5. You’re Picking Up Food To Go

Restaurants are trying to stay in business and many are offering food to go. Restaurants are raising the bar in their food preparation standards in order to protect customers. Hot food is considered safer right now in comparison to cold or raw foods. The packaging is the main concern for transferring the virus. Discard the container after you remove the food, and wash your hands before eating. In addition, microwaving your food will also help.

4. You’re Ordering Deliveries to Your Home

While deliveries to your home may be safer than going to a store, there is still a chance you can contract the virus through packages and interaction with delivery drivers. To kill the virus, wash your hands and sanitize these surfaces with antibacterial wipes or bleach diluted with water.

3. You’re Eating Fresh Foods

You will need to wash and dry any fresh foods, such as unwrapped fruit and vegetables, prior to eating. No need to use soap to wash them!

2. You’re Not Using Gloves

It cannot be stressed enough that you should wear disposable gloves each time you leave your house and throw them away after one use. Grocery stores and gas stations are hot spots for the virus as people use carts, grab and replace items and use credit card machines. Try to avoid using cash and use a payment type that doesn’t require contact. After shopping, wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap or use a hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face while shopping as any surface could have the virus.

1. You’ve Gone Out in Public and Been Exposed To Others

Social distancing has been in place to protect you from getting the virus. Going out will increase your likelihood of catching the virus. All an infected person has to do is cough or sneeze and they can transfer the virus through the air. If you breathe this air or touch the surface it’s been exposed to, you may get sick too. Stay at home if you can; otherwise wear a mask, wash your hands and keep six feet away from others. Stay safe!